News: 30th January 2013

Businesses keen on hiring in 2013, REC finds

Small businesses are likely to increase their permanent staff numbers in the next few months after new research showed widespread intentions to expand headcounts.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation's (REC) latest JobsOutlook report showed that more than half of the country's businesses are looking to hire more permanent employees in 2013.

On top of this, one in three firms are looking to take on more temporary workers as well as businesses aim to create growth in their operations.

REC director of policy Tom Hadley said: "At first glance the predicted growth in jobs for 2013 may seem at odds with recent gloomier news about lack of GDP growth.

"There are various factors influencing what’s been termed this 'jobs puzzle'. The fact that wage inflation remains low is one reason that employers have been able to maintain or increase their workforce."

More employment is also likely to be created in the coming years if the government gets approval for a second high-speed railway line over the next 12 months.